In furtherance of its mission to enhance capacity building, research, and public health excellence, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has begun the construction of a five-story Learning and Development Center at its campus in Abuja.
The facility will contain cutting-edge amenities, including a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, advanced training and meeting rooms, a modern library, and an e-learning center. It will also serve as a central hub for advanced training programs, promoting knowledge exchange and professional development for healthcare professionals both within Nigeria and internationally.
IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum noted that the center will be equipped to host both short-term and long-term training programs in collaboration with international institutions such as the University of Maryland and Rutgers University.
“We already have a number of institutions that are doing courses like Diploma and Masters in Public Health. We are now going to be looking at how we can also hone that in into a diploma, degree and post graduate degrees in implementation science,” he said.
IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the Center is part of IHVN’s long-term commitment to addressing knowledge gaps, mitigating brain drain, and strengthening Nigeria’s public health workforce.
“This facility will play a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers, ensuring that Nigeria continues to lead in public health interventions.”
During the first technical meeting for the project, IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, urged Lubell Nigeria Ltd to adhere to project timelines and leverage lessons learned from construction of the IHVN seven-storey twin towers which they built.
The Learning and Development Center is scheduled to be operational within 24 months, with full completion anticipated within 36 months.
IHVN Learning and Development construction siteA cross-section of men working and Excavation work ongoing at the siteAn aerial view of IHVN Learning and Development Site with construction materials
The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has met with representatives from the City Cancer Challenge and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to discuss potential areas of collaboration in advancing cancer research and care in Nigeria.
During the meeting which held at the IHVN Campus in Abuja, the organizations discussed ways to improve cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment through evidence-based research and capacity building. They also highlighted the importance of a coordinated response to improve cancer care infrastructure and strengthen the health system.
IRCE Coordinator, Dr. Okpokoro welcomed the guests and expressed optimism about the partnership. “The collaboration aligns with our commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians and this visit is aimed at fostering the advancement in cancer care, research innovation, and implementation globally and working towards creating a brighter future for cancer patients, through the combination of expertise, resources, experience and innovative solutions,” he said.
Representative from City Cancer Challenge, Dr. Meritxel Mallafré -Larrosa, noted that fostering partnerships with local stakeholders is important in creating sustainable cancer care systems. They also shared successful case studies from other cities worldwide, offering insights into how similar initiatives can be adapted to Nigeria’s unique context.
NICRAT representative Nwamaka Lasebikan who was also at the meeting expressed her excitement for the collaboration and looked forward to meaningful partnership.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore a formal partnership framework and identify pilot projects to address pressing challenges in cancer care across the country.
Representative from City Cancer Challenge, Dr. Meritxel Mallafre – Larrosa sharing insights on cancer prevention and research during her visit to the IHVN Campus. A cross-section of IHVN, City Cancer Challenge, and NICRAT staff during the collaborative meeting.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has said that the Institute is committed to providing timely and relevant services to meet Nigeria’s public health needs. Dr. Dakum stated this during a retreat for the organization’s senior management staff and Team Leads in Lagos, Nigeria.
“This year, the beneficiaries of our services will be encountering program delivery that is highly efficient and research that is relevant to the needs of the populations that we serve.” He said that the retreat has also equipped senior staff with leadership skills for team success.
Also at the retreat, the IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stated that the participants have reviewed the organization’s performance in 2024, and identified gaps and strategies for enhanced performance in 2025. Dr. Mensah called for collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind.
“For public health interventions to be successful, we need collaboration amongst multiple partners with each demonstrating and honing their areas of comparative advantage. We are open to partnership and appreciate existing collaborators,” he said.
The retreat featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, leadership training, group strategy sessions, and team bonding activities.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the IHVN Board of Directors, Sir Steve Omojafor urged the leaders to use power wisely and utilize influence to persuade and motivate others. He said that good use of power enables leaders to build a productive workforce and utilize talents for the best solutions.
IHVN Board Director, Mr Foluso Phillips called the Team Leads to involve staff in decision-making, uphold the dignity of team members, be fair, and create an environment where people can be their best.
The IHVN Annual 2025 Performance and Strategy Review Retreat was themed, “Enhancing Progress, Accelerating Results for Sustainability.”
IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum, IHVN Board Director, Mr. Foluso Phillips, IHVN Board Vice Chairman, Sr Steve Omojafor and IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, at the IHVN 2025 Performance and Strategy Review Retreat.Staff participating in a team bonding session.IHVN Deputy Director Laboratory Services, Mrs. Petronilla Nwadike, IHVN Director Program Coordinating Unit, Dr. Oche Yusuf, IHVN Director Strategic Information, Mrs. Fati Murtala Ibrahim, IHVN Director Prevention Care and Treatment, Dr. Helen Omuh and IHVN Assistant Director Grants and Contracts, Mrs. Precious Okafor participating in a panel discussion on program implementation.
In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognize “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”
According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership and interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, amongst other things.
For December 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Chidinma Ibe, Ahuche Doreen, Helen Oluwatoyin Ademola, Adeyinka Owoade, Oyediran Oludare, Dungji Gogwim Simon, Zachariah Bako, Oyeleye Samuel Olukunjo, Chinye Dumebi Rosemary, Adebimpe Manuwa and Ogunduboye Adebayo whose performance stood out in their teams.
Three hearty cheers to our December star performers!
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.
To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, this advert is therefore seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
Position
Program Officer-Surveillance & Data Management
Department
Strategic Information
Reports to
Surveillance Lead
Location
Abuja
Opening Date: 20th January, 2025
Closing Date: 2nd February, 2025
Position Overview
The Program Officer, Surveillance / Data Management will provide technical support for the implementation of HIV/AIDS surveillance activities and surveys in IHVN-supported States. The Program Officer will collaborate with Stakeholders, including Federal/State Ministries of Health, funders, and relevant implementing partners to strengthen the national HIV/AIDS case-based surveillance, recency surveillance and mortality surveillance initiatives. The program officer will develop, manage, and maintain data visualization tools, including Power BI dashboards, for monitoring HIV/AIDS program performance. The Program Officer will provide support for epidemiological data collection, analysis, and use for monitoring the trends of HIV sentinel events among people living with HIV. The Program Officer will provide technical assistance to site and above-site level personnel to ensure surveillance data are used for improving the quality of patient management and public health response.
Required Competencies
Performs HIV/AIDS surveillance data analyses and monitors surveillance data for change in epidemiological trends.
Participates in planning and conducting outbreak and other epidemiologic investigations by assisting with the onsite review of facilities and procedures; interviewing patients, health care providers, and others involved; and assisting in collecting data from local agencies or other health entities.
Participates in rapid/emergency response to suspected/confirmed outbreaks as needed.
Assists in preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioral science, demographic and epidemiologic analytic techniques, and evaluation.
Perform data quality assurance activities; undertake periodic field supervision visits to assess and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps and recommend corrective actions based on key performance indicators.
Design and develop interactive Power BI dashboards to monitor key HIV/AIDS program indicators (e.g., testing, treatment, adherence, and viral suppression).
Implement data models and visualizations that track progress toward program targets, identify trends, and highlight potential areas for improvement.
Collaborate with program teams to identify visualization needs and ensure dashboards align with program goals.
Use advanced Excel functions (e.g., XLOOKUP, COUNTIFS, IF, AND, OR, PivotTables) for data validation, cleaning, and analysis.
Conduct quality checks to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity across all visualizations and reports.
Extract and transform data from multiple sources (e.g., DHIS2, EMRs, and other databases) into formats suitable for visualization in Power BI and Excel.
Maintain data pipelines and automate processes for regular data updates.
Provide training to team members and stakeholders on Power BI and Excel functionalities to enhance their ability to utilize the dashboards effectively.
Develop user guides and documentation to support dashboard usage and troubleshooting.
Participates in writing grants and other funding proposals.
Participate in capacity building initiatives for surveillance data use
Job Requirements
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Access, SPSS, R, or SAS).
Experience with dashboard development and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Applied knowledge of principles and practices of epidemiology.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS surveillance initiatives in Nigeria
Research methods, procedures, and techniques used in identifying and evaluating disease characteristics.
Contemporary medical methods and practices used in the control of a variety of diseases.
Principles and practices applicable to the surveillance and investigation of communicable diseases.
Public health surveillance, computerized database management, data analysis, program evaluation, literature search, effective verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly
Proficiency in the use of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word, Google doc and analytic software such as STATA, R and SPSS.
Ability to write simple reports; to write technical and non-technical information material.
Ability to follow oral or written instructions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Interpersonal relations, as applied to contacts with representatives of governmental agencies and other implementing partners
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and integrity.
Familiarity with national and international HIV surveillance standards and guidelines.
Educational qualifications and experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in public health research and data analysis, preferably in HIV/AIDS-related work. Experience with surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations is an asset.
Safeguarding (PSEAH):
As an organization, IHVN takes the issue of Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) seriously, because safeguarding the people we interface with in all our programmatic work is of the utmost importance to us.
IHVN only recruits’ representatives who are suited and abides to the strict responsibility of SEAH.
By applying to this role, you are agreeing to IHVN carrying out a background check on you with respect to SEAH records and you also confirm that not before or after being hired will you breach the IHVN policy on SEAH.
Equal employment opportunity statement
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
Mode of Application:
Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This advert is open from 2nd February,2025 and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
